Syrian Forces Reach The IS-held City

IS seized the ruins of Palmyra and the adjoining modern town in May.

It subsequently destroyed two 2,000-year-old temples, an arch and funerary towers, drawing global outrage.

Syrian government forces have reached the edge of the ancient city of Palmyra after driving back Islamic State (IS) militants, officials and activists say.

UNESCO, the UN’s cultural agency, has condemned the destruction as a war crime.

Syria’s state news agency reported the army and allied militia had taken control of hills overlooking the city – a UNESCO World Heritage site.